Methods and systems for interactive wagering using multiple types of user interface

ABSTRACT

The present invention is methods and systems for interactive wagering user interfaces. Preferred embodiments of these systems and methods incorporate a wagering data hub which controls the flow of data relating to wagers, wagering events, and wagering account and facilitates the use of a variety of user interfaces such as graphical user interfaces and interactive voice response interfaces. For example, a user of the present invention may use a television set-top box, a computer, a telephone, and/or any other suitable device. To communicate with the wagering data hub, television set-top boxes preferably use a two-way cable system, computers preferably use a computer network, and telephones preferably use a telephone network, although each may use any suitable mechanism or combination of mechanisms to communicate with wagering data hub.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to interactive wagering systems and methods. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to interactive wagering systems andmethods that enable wagers to be placed via a television set-top box,via a computer, and/or via a telephone.

Wagering on sporting events such as horse, dog, and harness racing is apopular leisure activity. However, it is sometimes inconvenient toattend racing events in person. Not all racing fans have sufficient timeto visit race tracks as often as they would like and some fans havedifficulty in obtaining suitable transportation to the track. Thus,there is a need for wagering services for fans who cannot attend racingevents in person.

Off-track betting establishments, which are generally more readilyaccessible than race tracks, have attempted to fill this need. However,a racing fan who desires to place a wager still faces the prospect oftraveling to the off-track betting establishment.

Wagering via telephone is another option. A user of a telephone-basedsystem typically sets up a telephone account against which wagers may bemade. In order to place wagers, the user must interact with acomputerized telephone ordering system by pressing appropriate buttonson a touch-tone telephone. This type of system is mainly used forplacing wagers. Detailed racing information is typically obtained fromother sources, such as printed racing programs.

Wagering via a television set-top box is still another option. Asdescribed in Brenner et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,068, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety, known systems enable auser to receive wagering information and place wagers using a televisionset-top box in a user's home.

Wagering via computer is yet another option. Using a computer, a usercan similarly receive wagering information and place wagers from theuser's home.

Although, systems for telephone, set-top box, and computer wagering areknown, no known system provides an integrated wagering system thatenables a user to receive wagering information and place wagers usingmore than one of these methods. Moreover, many known systems fortelephone, set-top box, and computer wagering are difficult to use anddo not provide a user-friendly interface.

It would therefore be desirable to provide systems and methods forinteractive wagering that provide an integrated wagering system that canbe accessed by telephone, set-top box, and/or computer.

It would also be desirable to provide systems and methods forinteractive wagering that provide an easy to use interface that allowsthe user to quickly navigate through the available options to place awager.

It would further be desirable to provide systems and methods forinteractive wagering that provide a user interface that provides both anexpert wagering mode and a novice wagering mode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide systems andmethods for interactive wagering that provide an integrated wageringsystem that can be accessed by telephone, set-top box, and/or computer.

It is also an object of the invention to provide systems and methods forinteractive wagering that provide an easy to use interface that allowsthe user to quickly navigate through the available options to place awager.

It is further an object of the invention to provide systems and methodsfor interactive wagering that provide a user interface that providesboth an expert wagering mode and a novice wagering mode.

The present invention provides systems and methods for interactivewagering. Preferred embodiments of these systems and methods incorporatea wagering data hub which controls the flow of data relating to wagers,wagering events, and wagering accounts. In order to access this data, auser of the present invention may use a television set-top box, acomputer, a telephone, and/or any other suitable device. To communicatewith the wagering data hub, television set-top boxes preferably use atwo-way cable system or a one-way cable or satellite system withtelephone backhaul, computers preferably use a computer network, andtelephones preferably use a telephone network, although each may use anysuitable mechanism or combination of mechanisms to communicate with thewagering data hub.

Users using television set-top boxes, computers, or any other suitabledevices with video and/or audio presentation capabilities may receivewagering event video and/or audio from a video production system coupledto a wagering event. This video and/or audio may be routed to theset-top boxes, computers, or other devices directly through any suitablecommunication network, such as a cable or satellite system, a telephonenetwork, or a computer network, or indirectly through the wagering datahub. By having wagering event video and/or audio available, a user canwatch a wagering event at the same time as when, or in between, placingwagers.

Also connected to the wagering data hub are a subscriber managementsystem, one or more tote companies, one or more racing data providers,and one or more handicapping data providers. The subscriber managementsystem enables an operator of the interactive wagering system to controlaccess by users and setup and maintain player accounts. The subscribermanagement system also provides player wagering history data to thewagering data hub. The tote companies provide wagering event data to andreceive wagers from the wagering data hub. The wagering data hub alsoreceives wagering event data from the racing data providers andhandicapping data from the handicapping data providers.

To facilitate interactive wagering, the present invention providesgraphical user interfaces and interactive voice response interfaces. Thegraphical user interfaces are preferably presented on the set-top boxesand on the computers which access the wagering data hub. In preferredembodiments of these user interfaces, a variety of wagering andinformation dispensing features are provided. For example, these userinterfaces provide both expert and novice wagering interfaces thatenable experts and novices to place wagers quickly and easily inaccordance with their relative levels of experience. In the expertinterface, a single page incorporating multiple lines of wageringinformation is used to construct a wager. The wagering informationdisplayed in the expert interface is abbreviated so as to enable theuser to identify the information without being bogged down byunnecessary detail. In the novice interface, multiple pages of wageringinformation are used to construct a wager. The wagering informationdisplayed in the novice interface is presented in an easy to understandlayout so as to simplify the wagering process.

As another example, information dispensing features of the userinterface include a variety of handicapping, track, and playerinformation displays. Handicapping information may include odds andpayout data, horse, trainer, jockey/driver, and track statistics, expertcommentary, and program information. Track information may includeschedule, results, news, and weather data for a selected track. Playerinformation may include player news, player betting information, playeraccount balance, and player betting history.

As mentioned above, the preferred embodiments of the present inventionalso include interactive voice response (IVR) interfaces. Theseinterfaces are preferably presented through telephones which access thewagering data hub. The IVR interfaces enable a user to place wagers, getaccount balances, get odds, get results, get help, and customize theuser interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbe apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which likereference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wagering system constructed in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wagering data hub suitable for use withthe wagering system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a subscriber management system suitable foruse with the wagering system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a set-top box and related equipmentsuitable for use with the wagering system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4-5 are illustrations of screen displays through which a user mayinitiate a set-top box or computer user interface in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6-7 are illustrations of main menu screen displays that may bepresented in a set-top box or computer user interface in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a proBET mode that may bepresented in a set-top box or computer user interface in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9-25 are illustrations of screen displays that may be presented aspart of the proBET mode in a set-top box or computer user interface inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram illustrating a build a bet mode that may bepresented in a set-top box or computer user interface in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 27-53 are illustrations of screen displays that may be presentedas part of the build a bet mode in a set-top box or computer userinterface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 54 is a flow diagram illustrating a handicapping mode that may bepresented in a set-top box or computer user interface in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 55-90 are illustrations of screen displays that may be presentedas part of the handicapping mode in a set-top box or computer userinterface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 91 is a flow diagram illustrating a track information mode that maybe presented in a set-top box or computer user interface in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 92-100 are illustrations of screen displays that may be presentedas part of the track information mode in a set-top box or computer userinterface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 101 is a flow diagram illustrating a player information mode thatmay be presented in a set-top box or computer user interface inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 102-107 are illustrations of screen displays that may be presentedas part of the player information mode in a set-top box or computer userinterface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 108 is a flow diagram illustrating a setup mode that may bepresented in a set-top box or computer user interface in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 109-119 are illustrations of screen displays that may be presentedas part of the setup mode in a set-top box or computer user interface inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 120 is a flow diagram illustrating the functioning of drop downmenus that may be presented in a set-top box or computer user interfacein accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 121-122 are illustrations of drop down menus that may be presentedin a set-top box or computer user interface in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 123 illustrates an alternate mechanism for initiating a set-top boxor computer user interface in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 124-126 are illustrations of alternate types of screen displaysthat may be presented in a set-top box or computer user interface inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 127-151 are flow diagrams illustrating an interactive voiceresponse (IVR) interface that may be presented in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of an interactive wagering system 100 in accordance withthe present invention is shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated, system 100includes a wagering data hub 102 that controls wagering in system 100and that may be coupled to one or more television set-top boxes 104, oneor more user telephones 106, and one or more user computers 108. Usingany set-top box 104, telephone 106, or computer 108 coupled to hub 102,a user of the present invention can receive information regardingwagering events and wagering accounts, and place wagers related to thosewagering events. The wagering data hub 102 may also be connected to asubscriber management system 110, one or more television distributionsystems 112, one or more tote companies 114, one or more racing dataproviders 116, and one or more handicapping data providers 118.

Turning first to set-top boxes 104, in accordance with the presentinvention, set-top boxes 104 may be any suitable devices for receivingdata signals and video signals, processing the data signals, displayingat least a portion of the data signals and the video signals, andreceiving user commands that cause data signals to be transmitted towagering data hub 102. For example, set-top boxes 104 may beconventional set-top boxes, may be circuitry in video cassetterecorders, digital video disc players, or televisions, or may be anyother suitable devices.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, set-top boxes 104 may receive data signalsfrom hub 102 via communication link 132, television distribution system112, and communication link 128. These data signals preferably includedata relating to wagering events and wagering accounts. Alternatively oradditionally to receiving the data signals via link 132, system 112, andlink 128, these signals may be received via communication link 138.

Set-top boxes 104 may receive video signals from a video productionsystem 120 via communication link 134, television distribution system112, and communication link 130. These video signals preferably includevideo relating to wagering events that originate at race tracks 122 and124 and are transmitted to video production system 120 via satellite126. Alternatively or additionally to receiving video signals via link134, system 112, and link 130, video signals may be received from videoproduction system 120 via communication link 140, hub 102, and link 138.Although links 128 and 130 are illustrated as separate paths fortransmitting signals, each link may be part of a single communicationmechanism. For example, link 128 may transmit signals in the verticalblanking interval of a video signal carried in link 130.

Set-top boxes 104 may transmit wagering data signals to wagering datahub 102 via communication link 136, television distribution system 112,and communication link 142 and/or via communication link 138.Communication link 138 is preferably a telephone connection, althoughany suitable connection (such as an Internet connection, etc.) couldalso be used.

The signals received and transmitted by set-top box 104 may be anysuitable type of analog and/or digital signals that are transmittedusing any suitable method.

Television distribution system 112 and communication links 128, 130,132, 134, 136; and 142 are preferably all part of a cable televisionsystem, although each may be part of any suitable communication systemor combination of communication systems, such as satellite televisionsystems, over-the-air television systems (including RF, microwave,etc.), and computer networks (e.g., the Internet). Similarly to links128 and 130, link 136 may be incorporated with either or both of links128 and 130 as part of a single communication mechanism if desired, andlinks 132 and 142 may be incorporated together as part of a singlecommunication mechanism if desired.

User telephones 106 preferably connect to hub 102 via telephone line144, although any suitable mechanism for connecting user telephones 106to hub 102 may also be used. Although user telephones 106 areillustrated as standard telephones, any type of device for receivingaudio prompts that may be heard by a user and for responding to thoseprompts (either by spoken word or key depression) may also be used.

User computers 108 preferably connect to hub 102 via computer network146. Computer network 146 may be any suitable mechanism for connecting acomputer to hub 102, such as a direct telephone connection, one or moretelephone connections and a data network connection (such as an Internetconnection or a connection provided by computer network provider), or adirect data network connection.

Subscriber management system 110 enables the operator of the presentinvention to control access by users to the services provided by hub102. In addition to being connected to hub 102 by communication link148, subscriber management system is also connected to tote companies114 via communication link 150. Communication links 148 and 150 may beany suitable mechanism for communicating data and may use any type ofdata transmission method. The connection to tote companies 114 enablessubscriber management system 110 to create and update wagering accountsthat are located at tote companies 114. In preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, when a wager is placed by a user using one of set-topboxes 104, telephones 106, and computers 108, hub 102 accessessubscriber management system 110 to verify that the wager is authorized.One embodiment of a subscriber management system 110 is describedfurther below in connection with FIG. 3.

As stated above, tote companies 114, racing data providers 116, andhandicapping data providers 118 may be connected to hub 102 viacommunication links 150, 152, and 154, respectively. Tote companies 114preferably provide wagering event data and account information to hub102, and receive wager information from hub 102. Racing data providers116 and handicapping data providers 118 preferably provide statisticaland handicapping data to hub 102. As shown, tote companies 114 andracing data providers 116 typically receive data from race tracks 122and 124 via communication links 158, while handicapping data providerstypically receive data from one or more of racing data providers 116 viacommunication link 156. The data received from and transmitted to totecompanies 114, racing data providers 116, and handicapping dataproviders 118 may be transmitted over links 150, 152, and 154 using anysuitable method, and, these communication links may be any suitablemechanisms for transmitting that data. Similarly, communication links156 and 158 may be any suitable mechanism for transmitting data that useany suitable method.

Turning additionally to FIG. 2, wagering data hub 102 (FIG. 1) isillustrated in further detail. As shown, hub 102 includes a datadistribution system 202, a database 204, a set-top server (non-telco)206, a set-top server (telco) 208, an interactive voice response (IVR)server 210, a personal computer (PC) server 212, a modem bank 214, andinterface circuitry 216. Data distribution system 202 and database 204work in conjunction with each other to receive, store, and provideracing statistical and handicapping data from and to other components insystem 100 of the present invention. As illustrated, racing data may bereceived from tote companies 114 (via interface circuitry 216) andracing data providers 116, and handicapping data may be received fromhandicapping data providers 118. This racing and handicapping data maythen be provided to set-top servers 206 and 208, IVR server 210, and PCserver 212.

Set-top server (non-telco) 206 may provide data and video signals to,and receive data signals from, set-top terminals 104 via televisiondistribution system 112. Set-top server (telco) 208 may provide data andvideo signals to, and receive data signals from, set-top terminals 104via modem bank 214 and communication link 138. To coordinate the datasent between servers 206 and 208, hub 102 may incorporate a link 218between the servers, or the servers may be consolidated into a singlemechanism.

Interactive voice response server 210 may provide interactive voiceprompts to telephones 106 via link 144. These prompts may be a menu ofactual or simulated voice options to which a user can respond byspeaking or depressing a button on one of telephones 106. Through theseprompts, server 210 may provide account information and racing andhandicapping data, including information about various races, horses,jockeys, odds, etc. Through these responses, server 210 may receivewager data.

PC server 212 may provide data and video signals to, and receive datasignals from, computers 108 via modem bank 214 and link 146 or throughlink 146 alone. When computers 108 access server 212 via a telephoneline, the computers preferably use bank 214 and link 146. When computers108 use a computer network connection (such as the Internet) to accessserver 212, the computers preferably bypass modem bank 214.

In order to authorize and submit wagers, each of servers 206, 208, 210,and 212 preferably provide data to and receive data from tote companies114 (via interface circuitry 216 and link 150) and subscriber managementsystem 110 (via link 148). For example, when a user requests to place awager via any of these servers, the corresponding server may send anauthorization request to either subscriber management system (SMS) 110or one of tote companies 114. When the request is sent to a tote company114, the server may select the desired tote company from among severalavailable tote companies. In response to that request, the SMS 110 ortote 114 may reply with an authorization. The server may then send thewager to the tote company (if not already completed).

Similarly, to notify the users of the status or history of theiraccounts or to credit those accounts with additional funds or winnings,account information and money transfer information may be transmitted toand received from the tote or SMS. For example, using a user interfacefrom one of a set-top box 104, telephone 106, or computer 108, a usermay authorize additional funds to be transferred from the user's bank orcredit card account when the available funds in the user's account dropbelow a desired level.

In some embodiments of the present invention, video signals are providedto set-top boxes 104 by servers 206 and/or 208, and to computers 108 byserver 212. These signals are preferably received at the servers fromvideo production system 120 by link 140.

One embodiment of a subscriber management system (SMS) 110 in accordancewith the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown, SMS 110may include a subscriber database 302, an interface computer 304, one ormore customer service stations 306, one or more remote customer servicestations 308, and one or more tote company administration stations 310.Subscriber database 302 stores information regarding each user'saccount. This data may include current balance, past wagering history,individual wagering limits, personal identification numbers, billingaddresses, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, social securitynumbers, etc. The data in database 302 may be accessed by hub 102(FIG. 1) using interface computer 304. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, interface computer 304 may be omitted and hub 102 mayaccess database 302 directly.

Stations 306 and 308 preferably enable the operator of system 100(FIG. 1) to oversee and control the usage of the system by the users.Tote company administration stations 310 enable the operators of system100 to create and update accounts for users at the tote companies 114(FIG. 1). Subscriber database 302 and interface computer 304 may be anysuitable devices for storing data and accessing the data base,respectively. Each of stations 306, 308; and 310 may be any suitablecomputers for accessing database 302 and tote companies 114.

Although wagering data hub 102 and subscriber management system 110 areillustrated as separate systems and may be located at separatefacilities, it should be noted that hub 102 and system 110 may becombined into a single system at a single location, or may be furthersplit apart into finer sub-units at remotely connected locations.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, by centralizing the storage of race andhandicapping data in database 204 and account information in database302, the present invention provides a more cost-efficient andcentralized interactive wagering system that may be accessed by usersusing a variety of methods. For example, a user may access race andhandicapping data from home using a set-top box 104 in order to considera wager to be made. Later, that user may place that wager using acellular telephone while away from his or home. Finally, from the user'soffice, the user can then use his or her PC to check the status of thewager to determine if the user won. In this way, a user may access anyof his or her accounts using any of the interfaces provided in theinteractive wagering system. Alternatively, for example, wageringenthusiasts who do not have access to a set-top box 104 or a computer108 may still receive race, handicapping, and account information andplace wagers using the IVR interface accessible using telephones 106.

An illustration of a set-top box 104 (FIG. 1) and related components isshown in FIG. 3A. As can be seen, set-top box 104 may be connected totelevision distribution system 112 by links 128, 130, and 136. Set-topbox 104 may also be connected to a telephone network by link 138.Through these connections, set-top box 104 is able to communicate withwagering data hub 102 (FIG. 1). In order to control set-top box 104, aremote control 352, a keyboard 354 (e.g., an infrared keyboard), and/ora pointing device 356 may also be provided. Additionally, set-top box104 may be connected to a videocassette recorder 360 (or any othersuitable television appliance) and/or a television 362, and any otherlocal equipment 364 (such as a personal computer that is connected to acable modem in set-top box 104). In order to control a videocassetterecorder 360, in infrared transmitter (or any other suitable controlinterface, such as an RS-232 interface) may also be provided.

Set-top box 104 may include tuning, communications, and displaycircuitry 366, a modem 368, a receiver 370, control circuitry 372, adata port 374, indicators 376, and memory 378. Tuning, communications,and display circuitry 366 may be any suitable circuitry for receiving,splitting, combining, and/or distributing video and data signals to andfrom the television distribution system 112, control circuitry 372,memory 378, videocassette recorder 360, and television 362. Modem 368may be any suitable device for communicating data with a telephonenetwork. Receiver 370 may be any suitable device for receiving signalsfrom keyboard 354. Control circuitry 372 may be any suitable device,such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, dedicated logic, a computer,etc., for controlling the functionality of set-top box 104. Data port374 may be any suitable interface for communicating with local equipment364. Indicators 376 may be any suitable devices for indicating eventsand statuses to a user, including light-emitting diodes, displays, audiosystems, etc. Finally, memory 378 may be any suitable storage device ordevices for storing data, including random access memory, flash memory,a disk drive, etc.

During operation, control circuitry 372 will preferably executeinstructions stored in memory 378. Through these instructions, thecontrol circuitry will control the flow of video and data throughcircuitry 366, control the flow of data through modem 368, receiver 370,data port 374, and infrared transmitter 358, and drive indicators 376.More particularly, these instructions may cause a user interface asdescribed below to be implemented on television 362.

A variety of user interfaces can be provided at set-top boxes 104,telephones 106, and computers 108 (FIG. 1) in accordance with thepresent invention. One embodiment of a user interface that may beimplemented on set-top boxes 104 and computers 108, for example, isillustrated in FIGS. 4-122. Although specific combinations of featuresare illustrated in these figures, any subset of these features and manyadditional features could be implemented in accordance with the presentinvention. Also, although the illustrated embodiment of the userinterface is directed to wagering on horse racing, it should be notedthat this user interface could be modified for any type of wageringevent.

Turning first to FIGS. 4 and 5, two examples of methods for accessingthe user interface are shown. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the userinterface could be accessible from the main menu 400 of an interactivetelevision program guide. In addition to listing menu options fordisplaying information about television programs and for performingother functions, such a menu could include a menu option 402 that, whenselected, would initiate the user interface. Additionally oralternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the user interface could beinitiated using a prompt 502 that appears on top of a user televisionprogram 500. This prompt could appear on top of any television program(for example, when triggered by the start of a race for which a wagerhas been placed (as explained below)) or could appear on top of wageringevent programs only when those programs are selected for viewing (forexample, when triggered by a signal in the vertical blanking interval ofa program or by an attached program guide). Also illustrated in FIG. 5,is a banner 504 that indicates that the user has tuned to the “TVG”channel and that that channel is currently showing horse racing.Although illustrated in FIG. 5, banner 504 is optional.

Once the user interface has been initiated, one of the main menus inFIG. 6 or 7 is displayed. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an initial main menu608 is displayed in screen 600. Initial main menu 608 is preferably onlypresented when a user uses the user interface for the first time. Theinitial main menu 608 may also be displayed when the user interfacedetects that the user is making many mistakes, or at any other suitabletime. At all other times, normal main menu 702 shown in FIG. 7 isdisplayed when the user activates the user interface.

As shown, screen 600 also includes a status bar 601 that includes anoperator icon 602, a current function indicator 604, and a clock 606. Aswill be illustrated in other figures that follow, status bar 601 mayinclude other pieces of information as well. Operator icon 602 indicatesto the user that “TVG” is the operator of system 100 (FIG. 1). Functionindicator 604 indicates to the user that he or she is currently in themain menu. As the user moves through different menus, function indicator604 preferably changes to indicate the current function being used.

Initial main menu 608 includes a “Tour TVG” option 610, a “How To OpenAccount” option 612, a “Player Setup” option 614, and a “Watch TVG”option 616. Any of these options (or any of the options in thesubsequent menus) may be selected by using a remote control toreposition the highlight that is illustrated around option 610 to adesired option and to select that option. Alternatively, any othersuitable method for selecting the menu options (such as using a computermouse or keyboard) may be used in accordance with the present invention.

Turning to the options, “Tour TVG” option 610 preferably causes atutorial of the features and operation of the user interface to bepresented to the user. This tutorial could be presented in any methodknown in the art. Similarly, “How To Open Account” option 612 preferablycauses instructions to be presented to the user that instruct him or herhow to open an account for wagering. These instructions may additionallyenable the user to actually open an account using the user interface ormay require the user to contact the operator directly (for example, bycalling a “1-800” telephone number). “Player Setup” option 614 enablesthe user to access the player setup submenu. The player setup submenu isdiscussed further in connection with FIGS. 109-118 below. Finally,“Watch TVG” option 616 causes the user interface to terminate and awagering television channel (or any other suitable channel) to bedisplayed as illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates normal main menu 702 in screen 700. As shown, menu702 includes a “proBET” option 704, a “Build-A-Bet” option 706, a“Handicapping” option 708, a “Track Information” option 710, a “PlayerInformation” option 712, a “Setup” option 714, and a “Watch TVG” option716.

When a user selects “proBET” option 704 from menu 702, series 800 ofscreen displays 900-2500 (FIGS. 9-25) illustrated in FIG. 8 can beaccessed. More particularly, when a user selects option 704, screen 900is displayed as shown in FIG. 9. As can be seen, in screen 900, currentfunction indicator 604 indicates that the user is currently operating inthe “proBET” menu function. In this mode, a selection window 902 isfirst displayed. Window 902 includes an action indicator 904 thatindicates to the user the next action that must be taken. In this case,the user is required to select a track for the bet. To do so, belowindicator 904, the user is presented with a track option indicator 906and a series of track options 908. The user interface then waits for theuser to select one of options 908. In FIG. 9, it can be seen that theuser has highlighted “GUL” which is an abbreviation for “Gulfstream.”

Once the user has selected a track, screen 1000 is displayed as shown inFIG. 10. As illustrated, status bar 601 now includes a track indicator1002 that indicates that the user has selected “Gulfstream.” similarly,track options 908 next to track option indicator 906 have changed theirappearance so that all of options 908 except for track option 1004 (theselected track option) are dark in color and track option 1004 is lightin color. Further, to indicate the track selection, a ticket window 1006in screen 1000 shows a track indication 1008 that preferably uses . . .the same abbreviation as that selection from track options 908.

In screen 1000, the user is required to select one of race choices 1010as indicated by race choice indicator 1012. As can be seen, theleft-most choice 1010 is indicated as “MRB.” This is a “multi-race bet”choice that requires selections from multiple races. Next to theright-most choice 1010 is an arrow 1014 that indicates that other racechoices 1010 are available by scrolling to the right of the right-mostchoice.

Once the user has selected a race, screen 1100 is displayed as shown inFIG. 11. As can be seen, the user's selection of race 2 in screen 1000(FIG. 10) is indicated in a race countdown 1102 in status bar 601, inthe display colors of race options 1010, and in race indication 1104 ofticket window 1006. Similarly to selecting the race, the user is nextrequired in screen 1100 to select the type of bet (or wager). Next to atype indicator 1106, a series of type options 1108 are displayed. Arrow1110 indicates that additional options 1108 are available. Choices“EXA,” “EXB,” “TRI,” “TRB,” “WIN,” “PLC,” and “SHW” indicate the commonhorse racing bet types “exacta,” “exacta-box,” “trifecta,”“trifecta-box,” “win,” “place,” and “show,” respectively.

Turning to FIG. 12, it can be seen that the user has selected “trifecta”from type indicator 1202 in ticket window 1006 of screen 1200. Becausethe user has selected a “trifecta” race type, three place selections(i.e., 1st, 2nd, and 3rd) must be selected by the user. If the user hadselected a “win” race type, for example, then only a single placeselection would be required. In response to place choices 1204, the useris then required to select at least one first place choice, at least onesecond place choice, and at least one third place choice, each from thecorresponding, row of choices 1204.

After the user has selected the place choices, screen 1300 is displayedas illustrated in FIG. 13. As shown, the user has selected one firstplace choice (choice “5”), one second place choice (choice “2”), andthree third place choices (choices “3”, “4”, and “6”). Because of theselast three choices, the user is in effect placing three wagers: one forchoices “5”, “2”, and “3”; one for choices “5”, “2”, and “4”; and onefor choices “5”, “2”, and “6”. At this point, the user interfacerequires the user to select a per bet amount from one of amount choices1302. As the user moves the highlight to select each one of the choices1302, the total bet amount indicated in ticket window is preferablyupdated.

Finally, once the user has selected the bet amount from screen 1300, theuser is presented with screen 1400 as shown in FIG. 14 to confirm thebet by selecting “OK” icon 1402 before the bet is placed in a bet queue.As shown in FIG. 8, how the user interface proceeds upon confirming thebet depends on whether only a single player is currently accessing theinterface or whether multiple players are accessing the interface. Theuser interface may determine whether a single player is or multipleplayers are accessing the interface by referring to the status of theplayers setup as illustrated in and discussed in connection with FIG.115. If multiple players are active, the user interface next displaysthe display shown in FIG. 21 (and described below). Otherwise, the userinterface proceeds to screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, screen 1500 includes a queue window 1502.Within queue window 1502 are a bet queue 1508, action selections 1504,an action indicator 1506, and a total bet indicator 1510. From bet queue1508, the user can see all of his or her previously placed, but unsentbets. Total bet indicator 1510 indicates to the user the total amount ofthe bets waiting to be sent. Also shown in window 1502 is an odds window1512. Using this odds window, the user can monitor the odds for eachhorse to win. As can be seen, horse “1” is showing 7-to-1 odds to win.By selecting one of action selections 1504, the user can indicate to theuser interface how to proceed with the bets shown in the queue. Moreparticularly: by selecting the “New” selection 1504, the user can addanother bet; by selecting the “Dup” selection 1504, the user canduplicate a bet; by selecting the “Send” selection 1504, the user cansend the bets; by selecting the “Del” selection 1504, the user candelete a bet; and by selecting the “Menu” selection 1504, the user canaccess a drop down menu as illustrated in and explained in connectionwith FIGS. 120-122. As the user scrolls through each of selections 1504,the user interface updates action indicator 1506 to indicate what willhappen if the selection is selected.

As can be seen from FIG. 8, if the user selects the “New” option, theuser interface will return the user to screen 1100 of FIG. 11. At thispoint, the user interface will use the track and race selections chosenby the user in making the previous wager. If the user would like tochange those selections, however, the user may move the highlight up tochoices 1010 (FIG. 10) or options 908 (FIG. 9).

If the user selects the “Dup”, “Del”, or “Menu” options, the userinterface will enable the user to duplicate a bet, delete a bet, oraccess a drop down menu, respectively, as described below in connectionwith FIGS. 47-53 and 120-122.

If the user selects the “Send” option, then the user interface displaysscreen 1600 in FIG. 16. As illustrated, screen 1600 includes a pin-entrywindow 1602. Using window 1602, the user can then enter a personalidentification number (pin) into pin field 1604. By properly enteringthe account holder's (i.e., Pete's) pin, the user interface knows thatthe user is in fact the account holder.

After properly entering his or her pin, the user is then presented witha sending bets window 1702 as shown in screen 1700 of FIG. 17. Window1702 includes a list of the bets to be sent such that the bets areidentified by the player placing the bet, the track and racecorresponding to the bet, the type of bet, and the amount of the bet. Ina status field 1704 of window 1702, the user is notified of the statusof the transmission of the wagers. In the illustration of FIG. 17, field1704 indicates “dialing.” This indication is shown to notify the userthat the user interface is currently accessing the telephone. In certainembodiments of the present invention, a “dialing” indication may not bepresented when the user interface accesses hub 102 by a mechanism otherthan a telephone connection and, accordingly, an alternate message maybe displayed.

When the wagers are actually being transferred to hub 102 (FIG. 1),status field 1704 indicates that the user interface is “sending” thebets to the hub as shown in screen 1800 of FIG. 18.

Finally, once the bets have been completely sent, sending bets window1702 is replaced by a bets sent window 1902 as shown in screen 1900 ofFIG. 19. Although not shown in screen 1900, if the sending of any one ormore of the bets displayed is unsuccessful (e.g., because ofinsufficient funds in the wagerer's account or because a selected horsehas been scratched), that bet may be indicated as being unsent by notlisting the bet in window 1902, by listing the bet in a different colorin window 1902, by listing the bet with a “not sent” icon in window1902, or by any other suitable method. For example, as shown in screen1950 of FIG. 19 a, a bets sent window 1952 may be displayed. In theillustration, the user has attempted to send bets for multiple players(i.e., “Pete,” “Kevin,” and “CM”). As shown in window 1952, a bet 1956may be shown in a specific color, such as red, to indicate that the betwas not sent. To receive further information on why the bet was notsent, the user may subsequently reposition highlight 1954 from aroundnext button 1904 to bet 1956. When bet 1956 is highlighted, the userinterface may then display a message indicating why the bet was not sent(e.g., insufficient funds in the player's account). Once the user isdone viewing the bets sent, the viewer may proceed with the userinterface by selecting next button 1904.

After next button 1904 has been selected, screen 2000 is displayed asshown in FIG. 20 with bet queue 1502 cleared of the bets that were sent.Any unsent bets could also preferably be cleared. Alternatively theunsent bets could be retained and the user given an option to edit thosebets by proceeding through the selections of FIGS. 9-14. At this point,as shown in FIG. 8, the user may proceed by selecting one of actionselections 1504 as described above in connection with FIG. 15.

As mentioned above, after a user has confirmed a bet in screen 1400 ofFIG. 14, the user will proceed to screen 2100 of FIG. 21 when multipleplayers are accessing the user interface. As shown in. FIG. 21, screen2100 includes a player identification window 2102. Using window 2102,the user can then identify the desired player's account. After the userhas identified the desired player's account (as shown, Pete's), the useris required to enter a pin in pin-entry window 2202 of screen 2200 shownin FIG. 22. Pin-entry window 2202 operates substantially the same aspin-entry window 1602 described in connection with FIG. 16. Likewise,once the pin has been successfully entered, the user is then presentedwith a queue window 2302 as shown in screen 2300 of FIG. 23. Queuewindow 2302 operates substantially the same as queue window 1502described in connection with FIG. 15.

When the user selects to send all bets from queue window 2302, the useris then presented with a player send selection window 2402 as shown inscreen 2400 of FIG. 24. Using window 2402, the user then indicates eachof the player accounts for which bets are to be sent. Once the user isfinished, the user selects send button 2404 from window 2402 to proceedto screen 2500 of FIG. 25. As shown in FIG. 25, the user is thenprompted for the pin of each player selected in window 2402 before thecorresponding bets can be sent to hub 102. Once each pin has beenentered, the user interface performs the functions illustrated in FIGS.17-20 (and described in connection therewith) as shown in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIGS. 9-14, the proBET mode of the illustrated embodiment ofthe present invention provides a very efficient interface for theexperienced wagerer. Using this interface, the wagerer can typicallymake all of the selections required to make a wager on a single screen.At the same time the wagerer is not bogged down by being presented withunnecessary information, such as the full horse names or race starttimes, with which the wagerer is already familiar. On the other hand,for the less experienced wagerer, an interface such as that in theproBET mode may be too intimidating because of its inherent brevity. Forsuch a user, the present invention provides a novice interface asillustrated in the Build-A-Bet mode show in FIGS. 26-53.

To activate the Build-A-Bet mode, the user selects “Build-A-Bet” option706 from menu 702 (FIG. 7), and thereby causes series 2600 of screendisplays 2700-5300 (FIGS. 27-33) illustrated in FIG. 26 to be presented.More particularly, when a user selects option 706 (FIG. 7), screen 2700is displayed as shown in FIG. 27. As can be seen, in screen 2700, when“Build-A-Bet” option 706 is selected, current function indicator 604 instatus bar 601 indicates that the user interface is in the Build-A-Betmode. In this mode, a ticket window 2702 and tab options 2704 aredisplayed.

Ticket window 2702 shows a simulated wagering ticket that is updated asthe user makes his or her selections.

Tab options 2704 show the information that is required for the user toplace a wager. For example, the left-most tab 2706 indicates that theuser must select a track for the wager, A track is selected by selectingone of track options 2708. As with other menu selections, in theBuild-A-Bet mode, the user may select an option 2708 by positioning thehighlight that is shown around the “Gulfstream” option to a desiredoption and pressing the select key on a remote control, or by any othersuitable method. Although only three tab options 2704 are illustrated inscreen 2700, arrow 2710 may be presented to indicate that other taboptions are available to be selected. To move between tabs, the user maypress a right or left arrow key on a remote control (or make any othersuitable input) to move the highlight illustrated around “Gulfstream” toother tabs.

Once a user has selected a track from screen 2700, the user interfacenext presents a screen 2800 as illustrated in FIG. 28. As shown, screen2800 indicates the track selection made by the user in the status bar601 and ticket window 2702. At this point, the user is preferablyrequired to select a race at the selected track. This may be done byeither manually selecting race selection tab 2802 or by tab 2802automatically being selected, and then by picking one of race options2804. As shown, some races, such as race “1” may be finished (asindicated by “F”) and thus may not be selectable.

After a user has made a race selection in screen 2800, as with the trackselection and subsequent wager selections, the race selection isindicated in ticket window 2702 as shown in screen 2900 of FIG. 29. Asalso shown, the race selection may be indicated in status bar 601. Theuser is then prompted for a wager type selection from one of wageroptions 2904 in wager type tab 2902. As shown in screen 3000 of FIG. 30,if a user is uncertain about what an individual bet or wager type is,the user may highlight the bet or wager type (as shown in FIG. 29) andthen press a help button on a remote control (for example), or otherwiseselect a help function, to access a help window 3002. This help windowpreferably provides a description of what the wager type requires forthe user to win.

If, in response to screen 2800 shown in FIG. 28, the user selects a“Multi-Race Bet”, the user interface will preferably show a bet type tab3102 as illustrated in screen 3100 of FIG. 31. As can be seen, tab 3102includes wager type options 3104 for a “daily double”, a “pick 3”, and a“pick 6”.

Assuming that the user has picked race “2” and a “trifecta” wager type,a screen 3200 is then displayed as shown in FIG. 32. Once again, ticketwindow 2702 is updated to show the race and wager type selections.Because the user has selected a trifecta wager type, the user interfacenow includes a finish first tab 3202, a finish second tab 3204, and afinish third tab (not shown, but indicated by arrow 3206). In responseto finish first tab 3202, the user is required to select at least one offinish first selections 3208. As the user highlights each of selections3208, the full name of the selection highlighted may be displayed in adisplay field 3210. As illustrated, the user has selected “5 TimelyKitten”. This selection is also indicated in ticket window 2702. Afterthe user has selected the finish first selection, the user selects atleast one finish second selection from finish second tab 3202 (shown inscreen 3300 of FIG. 33) and at least one finish third selection fromfinish third tab 3402 (shown in screen 3400 of FIG. 34). As theseselections are made, each is preferably indicated in ticket window 2702.

In an alternate embodiment of the user interface of the presentinvention, the user is presented with a horse selection interface thatshows each jockey's and/or horse's colors as the user highlightsdifferent horses in the selection interface. For example, as shown inscreen 3250 of FIG. 32 a, a finish first tab 3252 is used to select ahorse to come in first place. Tab 3252 includes finish first selections3254 and a color indicator 3256. As illustrated, color indicator 3256 isshown as an image of a jockey and a horse. As the user highlights adifferent one of selections 3254, the color of the jockey image changesto match that of the silks worn by the jockey riding the highlightedhorse. Similarly, the color of the horse image in indicator 3256 maychange to match the actual color of the highlighted horse. Althoughcolor indicator is illustrated as an image of a jockey and a horse, theindicator could be any other image, object, or shape. Moreover, multiplecolor indicators 3256 could also be used, or the color indicator 3256could be incorporated into one or more of selections 3254. This featureof showing the jockey's and/or horse's colors may be implemented in anyhorse selection screen of the present invention.

In still other embodiments of the present invention, one or more stillor moving images of a jockey and/or a horse could be presented as theuser highlights each horse. Such images could be positioned in a portionof the screen, such as the area taken by indicator 3256 in screen 3250,or could be presented temporarily in a partial or full screen overlay,or in a underlying display where a portion of the user interface ispartially transparent.

In yet other embodiments of the present invention, one or more pieces ofinformation related to the jockey and/or horse could be presented as theuser highlights each horse. Such information could include handicappinginformation, the odds for that horse to win, place, or show the name ofthe jockey, the name of the trainer, and/or any other suitableinformation.

Next, as shown in screen 3500 of FIG. 35, the user is required to selectan amount for the wager from amount options 3504 in amount tab 3502. Assimilarly described in connection with FIG. 13 above, when the userpositions the highlight on different amount options 3504, total costfield 3506 in ticket window 2702 is preferably updated to indicate howeach highlighted amount option affects the total cost of the bet.

As can be seen from FIG. 26, once the user has selected an amount forthe wager from screen 3500, the user interface may proceed to screen3600 (FIG. 36) if a single player is active or screen 4200 (FIG. 42) ifmultiple players are active. The user interface may determine whether asingle player is or multiple players are active by referring to thestatus of the players setup as illustrated in and discussed inconnection with FIG. 115. If only a single player is active, as shown inFIG. 36, the user is shown a bet queue 3610 as part of bet queue tab3602. Also included in tab 3602 are action selections 3606, an actionindicator 3608, and a total-bet indicator 3612. Also displayed in screen3600 is an odds window 3604. Odds window 3604 operates substantially thesame as odds window 1512 described above in connection with FIG. 15.Action selections 3606, action indicator 3608, bet queue 3610, and totalbet indicator 3612 operate substantially the same as action selections1504, action indicator 1506, bet queue 1508, and total bet indicator1510, respectively, of FIG. 15.

If the user selects the “Send” action selection 3606 from screen 3600 ofFIG. 36, the user interface then prompts the user for a pin using apin-entry window 3702 as shown in screen 3700 of FIG. 37. After the userhas properly entered the required pin, the user interface then displaysa sending bets window 3802 and sends the bets as shown in screens 3800and 3900 of FIGS. 38 and 39, respectively. Finally, once the bets havebeen sent, the user interface displays bets sent window 4002 as shown inscreen 4000 of FIG. 40. The operation of windows 3702, 3802, and 4002 issubstantially the same as windows 1602, 1702, and 1902 as describedabove in connection with FIGS. 16-19. After the user interface has sentall of the bets, bet queue 3610 is cleared as illustrated in screen 4100of FIG. 41.

Turning back to screen 3500 of FIG. 35, once the user has selected anamount for the wager, the user interface will display screen 4200 asillustrated in FIG. 42 if multiple players are active. As shown inscreen 4200, the user is then prompted for a player name associated withthe most recent wager using player selection window 4202. After a playername has been selected from screen 4200, the user interface then promptsthe user for a pin for that player's account using pin-entry window 4302as shown in screen 4300 of FIG. 43. Next, all of the bets for thatplayer are displayed in bet queue 3610 of tab 3602 as shown in screen4400 of FIG. 44. If the user selects “Send” action selection 3606, theuser interface then prompts the user to indicate which player accountshave bets that are ready to be sent using a player selection window 4502as shown in screen 4500 of FIG. 45. For each player selected usingwindow 4502, the user interface also prompts the user for that player'spin using pin-entry window 4602 as shown in screen 4600 of FIG. 46.After all of the players have been selected and the corresponding pinsentered, as shown in FIG. 26, the user interface then sends the bets asdescribed in connection with FIGS. 38-41 above.

Whenever bets are in bet queue 3610 (or in bet queue 1508 of FIG. 15),in addition to having the option of sending those bets, the user alsohas the option of duplicating or deleting those bets. The user mayduplicate a bet by selecting the “Dup” action selection 3606 as shown inscreen 4700 of FIG. 47. Next the user is required to select the bet thathe or she desires to duplicate as illustrated in screen 4800 of FIG. 48.This may be done by highlighting the desired bet using highlight 4802and pressing a select button on a remote control. Finally, as shown inscreen 4900 of FIG. 49, the selected bet will then be shown asduplicated in bet queue 3610.

If the user selects the “Del” action selection 3606 from screen 5000 ofFIG. 50, the user interface will allow the user to delete a bet alreadyplaced. The user interface will next prompt the user to select a desiredbet to be deleted. As shown in screen 5100 of FIG. 51, this may be doneby positioning a highlight 5102 on a bet and pressing a select button ona remote control. Once a bet is selected, the user interface will thenprompt the user to confirm that the selected bet is to be deleted bydisplaying a delete bet confirmation window 5202 as shown in screen 5200of FIG. 52. Finally, after the user has confirmed that the bet is to bedeleted, the bet will be removed from bet queue 3610 as shown in screen5300 of FIG. 53.

If the user selects “Handicapping” option 708 from main menu 702 asshown in screen 700 of FIG. 7, the user interface will present a series5400 of screen displays 5500-9000 (FIGS. 55-90) as illustrated in FIG.54. More particularly, after a user has selected option 708, the userinterface will first display a track selection screen 5500 asillustrated in FIG. 55. As shown, screen 5500 includes a track selectiontab 5502 and a first race time listing window 550. Window 5504preferably includes a date, a listing of the abbreviated names of tracksavailable for selection, and a listing of the time for a first race ateach of those tracks. Tab 5502 includes a set of track options 5506 thatmay be selected by a user to indicate the track for which handicappingdata is desired.

After the user has selected a track from screen 5500, screen 5600 isdisplayed, as shown in FIG. 56, to allow the user to select a race forwhich handicapping data is desired. As shown in FIG. 56, the trackselected by the user is indicated in a field 5602 of status bar 601 ofscreen 5600. Also displayed in screen 5600 is a race tab 5604. Tab 5604includes a set of race options 5606. As illustrated, some of theseoptions 5608 and 5610 may be blacked out to indicate that the race isnot available for selection. In this example, option 5610 is notavailable because race “1” has already been finished (as indicated bythe “F” in option 5610) and option 5608 is not available because it is amulti-race bet that includes race “1”.

Once the user has selected a race option 5606, screen 5700 is displayedto allow the user to select one of handicapping mode options 5702 from“Options” tab 5708 as shown in FIG. 57. Preferably also included inscreen 5700 are an indication 5704 of the time remaining until theselected race in status bar 601 and an odds display window 5706 thatdisplays the odds for each horse to win in the selected race.

If the user selects the “Odds/Probabilities” option 5702 from tab 5708,“Exacta Will Pay” tab 5802 in screen 5800 is next displayed to allow theuser to see the payout on a $2 bet for an exacta bet including aselected horse and each other horse. To see these payouts, the user musthighlight one horse from horse selection options 5804 that are displayedin tab 5802. As shown in FIG. 58, one or more horses 5806 may bescratched from the available options. Once the user has highlighted ahorse 5808, payout window 5810 is displayed with an indication of thehighlighted horse (“3 and”), the selected track (“AQU”), the selectedrace (“2”), and the payout for each other horse. In payout window 5810,the payout for horse “3” is indicated as “−” because a user cannot makean exacta wager on horses “3 and 3”, and the payout for horse “10” isindicated as “scr” because horse “10” has been scratched.

If a particular payout in window 5810 is appealing to the user, the usermay then select the desired combination as shown in screen 5900 of FIG.59. As shown, the user has selected horse “13” and highlighted horse“3”. Next, as shown in screen 6000 of FIG. 60, the user interface willprompt the user to see if the user desires to place a wager on theselected pair using a bet window 6002. Window 6002 may include a list ofdifferent bet types available to the user based on the user's horseselections. For example, as illustrated, the user can select an exactabet for horse “3” then “13” or horse “13” then “3”, or the user canselect an exacta box bet for horses “3” and “13”. From within window6002, the user may select to place one or more of the displayed bets.

Additionally or alternatively to using the “Exacta Will Pay” tab 5802when the user selects the “Odds/Probabilities” option 5702, the user mayalso operate the “exacta matrix” tab 6102, as shown in screen 6100 ofFIG. 61, to see the payout on a $2 exacta bet including a highlightedhorse and each other horse. As the user highlights each horse (asillustrated, horse “3”), tab 6102 is updated to show the exacta payoutfor the two combinations of the highlighted horse and each other horse.

As with “Exacta Will Pay” tab 5802, once the user has selected a firsthorse, the user may then also select a second horse to construct a wageras shown in screen 6200 of FIG. 62. As illustrated, the user hasselected horse “3” and is in the process of selecting horse “13”. Next,the user interface will display a bet window 6302 as shown in screen6300 of FIG. 63. Window 6302 operates substantially the same as window6002 shown in FIG. 60.

Also available to the user upon selecting “odds/Probabilities” option5702 is the “Win Percent” tab 6402 shown in screen 6400 of FIG. 64. Asillustrated, tab 6402 includes an indication of the percentage of allbets placed so far that have been placed for each horse to win, place,and show. Although only six horses are shown, arrow 6404 indicates thatother horses are available upon scrolling the listing downward. Totaldisplay 6406 indicates the total value of the wagers placed for anyhorse to win, place, or show. As with tabs 5802 (FIG. 58) and 6102 (FIG.61), the user may then select a horse and then place a wager on thathorse. For example, as illustrated in bet window 6502 of screen 6500 ofFIG. 65, the user has selected horse “4” to win at “Aqueduct” in race“2”.

Upon selecting “Odds/Probabilities” option 5702, the user may alsoselect the “Win Pool” tab 6602 as shown in screen 6600 of FIG. 66. Ascan be seen, tab 6602 displays the total value of the wagers placed foreach horse to win, place, or show. As with the “Win Percent” tab 6402,the user may select a horse from tab 6602 and place a wager using betwindow 6702 as illustrated in screen 6700 of FIG. 67.

Although “Exacta Will Pay” tab 5802 (FIG. 58), “Exacta Matrix” tab 6102(FIG. 61), “Win Percent” tab 6402 (FIG. 64), and “Win Pool” tab 6602(FIG. 66) as illustrated are configured for exacta and win bets, thesefeatures of the user interface of the present invention could beimplemented using any other suitable betting type. For example, “ExactaWill Pay” tab 5802 and “Exacta Matrix” tab 6102 could alternately beimplemented as a “Trifecta Will Pay” tab and a “Trifecta Matrix” tab. Asanother example, “Win Percent” tab 6402 and “Win Pool” tab 6602 could beimplemented as a “Show Percent” tab and a “Show Pool” tab. In order tofacilitate implementing these features with other bet types, the presentinvention may display a bet type selection tab, such as tab 2902 asshown in screen 2900 of FIG. 29, prior to displaying tabs 5802, 6102,6402, and 6602.

If the user selects “Horse Data” option 6802 from handicapping “Options”tab 5708 as shown in screen 6800 of FIG. 68, the user will then be giventhe option of seeing “snapshot”, “records”, and “speed & class” data foreach horse. As shown in screen 6900 of FIG. 69, the snapshot data isdisplayed in a “Snapshot” tab 6902. The snapshot data may include thenumber of days off, the number of wins and starts, a power rating, andthe morning line for each horse. The power rating may be any suitablemethod for comparing horses. As shown in screen 7000 of FIG. 70, therecord data is displayed in a “Records” tab 7002. The records data mayinclude the number of races by, the number of wins for, the number ofsecond places for, and the amount won from wagers on, each horse. Asshown in screen 7100 of FIG. 71, the speed and class data is displayedin a “Speed and Class” tab 7102. The speed and class data may includethe speed in the last race, the average speed, the current class, andthe last class for each horse.

The user may also view trainer statistics by selecting a “Trainer Stats”option 7202 from tab 5708 as shown in screen 7200 of FIG. 72. After theuser has selected option 7202, the user may then view records data,recent wins data, and pairings data for the trainer of each horse. Asshown in screen 7300 of FIG. 73, the records data is displayed in a“Records” tab 7302. The records data may include the number of races,wins, and second places, and the average for the trainer of each horse.As shown in screen 7400 of FIG. 74, the recent wins data is displayed ina “Recent Wins” tab 7402. The recent wins data may include the number ofwins in the last 10 races, 20 races, and 50 races for the trainer ofeach horse. As shown in screen 7500 of FIG. 75, the pairings data isdisplayed in a “Pairings” tab 7500. The pairings data may include thenumber of starts and wins with this horse, and the number of starts andwins with this jockey, for the trainer of each horse.

To view jockey and driver handicapping data, the user may select“Jockey/Driver” option 7602 from tab 5708 as shown in screen 7600 ofFIG. 76. After the user has selected option 7602, the user may then viewrecords data, recent wins data, and pairings data for the jockey ordriver of each horse. As shown in screen 7700 of FIG. 77, the recordsdata is displayed in a “Records” tab 7702. The records data may includethe number of races, wins, and second places, and the average for thejockey or driver of each horse. As shown in screen 7800 of FIG. 78, therecent wins data is displayed in a “Recent Wins” tab 7802. The recentwins data may include the number of wins in the last 10 races, 20 races,and 50 races for the jockey or driver of each horse. As shown in screen7900 of FIG. 79, the pairings data is displayed in a “Pairings” tab7900. The pairings data may include the number of starts and wins withthis horse, and the number of starts and wins with this trainer, for thejockey or driver of each horse.

To view track statistics data, the user may select “Track Data” option8002 from tab 5708 as shown in screen 8000 of FIG. 80. Once the user hasselected option 8002, a “Post Position” tab 8102 is displayed asillustrated in screen 8100 of FIG. 81. As can be seen, tab 8102 includesa weighted win average for each post position of the track. The weightedwin average can be calculated using any suitable method.

The user can view commentary data by selecting the “Commentary” option8202 from tab 5708 as shown in screen 8200 of FIG. 82. Upon selectingoption 8202, the user may view commentary data from any handicappingdata provider 118 connected to system 100 (FIG. 1). For example,handicapping data may be available from two handicapping data providers118 (FIG. 1) called “AXCIS” and “DRF”. To access this data, the user canselect “AXCIS” tab 8302 (as shown in screen 8300 of FIG. 83) or “DRF”tab 8402 (as shown in screen 8400 of FIG. 84).

To view program data regarding the selected race, the user can select“Program” option 8502 from tab 5708 as shown in screen 8500 of FIG. 85.Once the user has selected option 8502, the user may then view the postposition for each horse from a “Post Position” tab 8602 (as shown inscreen 8600 of FIG. 86) or race information from a “Race Info” tab 8702(as shown in screen 8700 of FIG. 87). The race information may includethe race length, the track type (e.g., turf, mud, etc.), the race type(e.g., claiming), the purse amount, the horse category, the jockeyweight class, the claiming price, and any other suitable information.

Finally, from tab 5708, the user may select “More Services” option 8802as shown in screen 8800 of FIG. 88 to receive information on other data,information, and picks that are available. As shown in screens 8900(FIG. 89) and 9000 (FIG. 90), the user may receive information, such astelephone numbers and Internet addresses that may be used by the user toreceive additional data, information, or picks, using a “Data/Info” tab8902 and a “Picks” tab 9002. Although not shown, in some embodiments ofthe present invention, the user may be prompted for a pin using apin-entry window when “picks” tab 9002 is shown. Then, if the pin isentered, picks data may be displayed to the user for a fee.

From main menu 700 (FIG. 7), the user can select “Track Information”option 710 to receive information including schedules, results, weather,and news. As shown in FIG. 91, when the user selects option 710, theuser may access series 9100 of screen displays 9200-10000 (FIGS.92-100). More particularly, when the user selects option 710, the userinterface first displays screen 9200 as shown in FIG. 92. Asillustrated, screen 9200 includes an “Options” tab 9202 and afirst-race-time listing window 9206. “Options” tab 9202 includes.“Schedule”, “Results”, “Weather”, and “News” options 9204. Window 9206includes a listing of each available race track and the starting timefor the first race at that track. When the user selects “Schedule”option 9204 from tab 9202, a “Racing Schedule” tab 9302 is displayed asshown in screen 9300 of FIG. 93. Using tab 9302, the user can select aday for which racing schedule information is desired. To view days otherthan the days shown, the user can preferably scroll past the first andlast days listed. Once a day has been selected, window 9206 displays theracing schedule information for the selected day.

If the user selects “Results” option 9204 from tab 9202, the userinterface first displays a “Track” selection tab 9402 as illustrated inscreen 9400 of FIG. 94. Using this tab, the user can select a race trackfrom track options 9404 for which results data is desired. Once the userhas selected a track, the user interface prompts the user to select aspecific race from race options 9504 at that track using a “Race”selection tab 9502 as shown in screen 9500 in FIG. 95. Each race option9504 may include a race number, an indicator that indicates if the raceis finished (as shown “F”), and a post time. Because the user is seekingto display results, preferably only races that have been completed maybe selected.

Once the user has selected a race, screen 9600 as shown in FIG. 96 isdisplayed. As can be seen screen 9600 includes a “Results” tab 9602 thatmay include a listing of the first five (or any suitable number) offinishing horses and the payouts for those horses in the win, place, andshow wager types with a $2 bet. Tab 9602 may also include a listing ofthe payouts for other types of bets such as exacta, quinella, etc.

If the user selects “Weather” option 9204 from options tab 9202 (FIG.92), the user interface presents a “Track” selection tab 9702 as shownin screen 9700 of FIG. 97. Using tab 9702, the user may then select atrack for which the user would like weather information. Once the userhas selected a track, the user interface displays a weather tab 9802that displays weather information for the selected track as shown inscreen 9800 of FIG. 98. As shown, this weather information may beforecast data or current condition data, and may include an indicationof the date, city, cloud coverage, temperature, track condition, windlevel and direction, humidity, barometric pressure, and any othersuitable information.

If the user selects “News” option 9204 from tab 9202 (FIG. 92), the userinterface presents a “Track” selection tab 9902 as shown in screen 9900of FIG. 99. Using tab 9902, the user selects a track for which the userwould like news information. Once the user has selected a track, theuser interface then displays a “News” tab 10002 that displays any trackrelated news that may be of interest to the user, as shown in screen10000 of FIG. 100.

To receive information relating to a player's accounts, the user mayselect the “Player Information” option 712 from main menu 702 (FIG. 7).Once the user has selected option 712, the user interface presents aseries 10100 of screen displays 10200-10700 (FIGS. 102-107) as shown inFIG. 101. More particularly, a “News” tab 10202 may first be displayedas shown in screen 10200 of FIG. 102. Tab 10202 may include any newsrelated to the service provided by the operator of system 100 (FIG. 1).This information may be particular to the user or one of the playeraccounts, or may be general information. If multiple players arecurrently accessing the user interface, the user interface preferablynext prompts the user to identify a player account using playerselection window 10302 as shown in screen 10300 in FIG. 103.

Once the user has selected a player account from window 10302 or if onlya single player is accessing the system, then the user interface nextasks the user to enter a pin for the current account using a pin-entrywindow 10402 as shown in screen 10400 in FIG. 104. Once the user hasentered the proper pin, the user interface next allows the user todisplay a “Bet Queue” tab 10502 as shown in screen 10500 of FIG. 105.Tab 10502 operates substantially the same as tab 3602 described above inconnection with FIG. 36. The user may also display a “Balance” tab 10602as shown in screen 10600 of FIG. 106. As illustrated, tab 10602 showsthe current balance of the selected player's account. The user mayfurther display a “History” tab 10702 as shown in screen 10700 of FIG.107. As shown, tab 10702 shows the selected player's wagering history.This wagering history may be for only a limited period of time, and mayinclude the date, the track, the race, the per bet amount, the type, theselected horses, the total cost, and any other suitable information foreach wager in the player's history (or a portion thereof). For example,the history display may only list bets having time stamps that wereassigned to those bets by wagering data hub 102, subscriber managementsystem 110, or a tote company 114 during a certain period of time (e.g.,at least ten minutes ago through to seven days ago).

As explained above in connection with FIGS. 1-3, by providingcentralized data storage using wagering data hub 102 and subscribermanagement system 110, the player account information displayed in FIGS.105-107 may reflect wagers made using a set-top box 104, a telephone106, and/or a computer 108.

If the user selects “Setup” option 714 from main menu 702 (FIG. 7), theuser interface enables the user to maintain the player accounts andtelephone settings. As shown in FIG. 108, upon selecting option 714, theuser interface enables the user to access series 10800 of screendisplays 10900-11900 (FIGS. 109-119) as shown in FIG. 108. Moreparticularly, after the user has selected option 714, screen 10900 asshown in FIG. 109 is displayed. Screen 10900 includes a “Player” optionstab 10902, a “System” options tab 10908, and a players status window10906. Players status window 10906 shows a list of the players setup inthe user interface and whether those players are active.

“Players” options tab 10902 enables the user to add a player, delete aplayer, change the status of a player, and change the pin of a player.These functions are initiated by selecting one of options 10904. If theuser selects “Add Player” option 10904, add player window 11002 isdisplayed as shown in screen 11000 of FIG. 110. Using window 11002, theuser can enter the name of the player to be added. Next, using a playeraccount window 11102 as shown in screen 11100 of FIG. 111, the user canenter the account number for the player. This account number may be apre-arranged account number assigned by the operator of system 100 (FIG.1), may be a credit card number, or may be any other suitable number toidentify the owner of the player's account. Then, using player pinwindow 11202 as shown in screen 11200 of FIG. 112, the user can enter apin for the new account. This pin is preferably entered twice to insurethat it has been entered correctly. Finally, as shown in screen 11300 ofFIG. 113, players' status window 11304 is updated to show the new player“JOE”.

As also shown in screen 11300 of FIG. 113, if the user selects “DeletePlayer” option 10904 from tab 10902 (FIG. 109), a delete player window11302 is displayed. Using window 11302, the user can then select theplayer to be deleted. Next, as shown in screen 11400 of FIG. 114, adelete player confirmation window 11402 will be displayed to confirm theuser's player deletion choice. Upon selecting the “Yes” option in window11402, the selected player (as shown “BETTY”) will be deleted. Thisdeletion will then be shown in players status window 11504 asillustrated in screen 11500 of FIG. 115. In preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, only selected players may be authorized to deleteplayer accounts. For example, the first player account entered into theuser interface may be designated as the interface owner. Whenever a userthen attempts to delete a player account, the user may be prompted toenter a pin that corresponds to the owner's account. As another example,many or all players may be authorized to delete player accounts.

If the user selects “Change Status” option 10904 from tab 10902 (FIG.109), toggle status window 11502 will be displayed as shown in screen11500 of FIG. 115. In some embodiments, player account names shown in adark color (e.g., name 11506) are not active and player account names ina light color (e.g., name 11508) are active. By selecting any playername, the status of the account will change from active to not active orvice versa. As shown in players status window 11604 in screen 11600 ofFIG. 116, by toggling the status of player “JONI”, the “active” statusfor this player was changed from “NO” to “YES”.

In order to change the pin associated with a player account, the usermay select “Change Pin” option 10904 of tab 10902 (FIG. 109). Uponselecting option 10904, player selection window 11602 is displayed asshown in screen 11600 of FIG. 116. After selecting the player accountfor which the pin is to be changed, a change player pin window 11702 isdisplayed as shown in screen 11700 of FIG. 117. Once the user hasentered the old pin for the account and has entered the new pin for theaccount twice, the pin change is confirmed using pin change confirmationwindow 11802 as shown in screen 11800 of FIG. 118.

If the user selects “System” option tab 10908 from screen 10900 of FIG.109, the remainder of the tab is displayed as shown in screen 11900 ofFIG. 119. Using tab 10908, the user can indicate whether a number isneeded to dial out and, if so, what that number is. The user can alsoindicate whether the telephone service has a “call waiting” feature and,if so, what the disable code is for that service. Finally, the user canselect a “Menu” option 11902 in tab 10908 to activate a drop down menuas described in FIGS. 120-122.

The user interface also provides a series of drop down menus that can beaccess from the above-described screens 900-11900 (FIGS. 9-119). Usingthese drop down menus, the user can navigate to other parts of the userinterface or exit the user interface. As shown in FIG. 120, when theuser interface detects that a user has pressed a menu key (or has madeany other suitable indication to initiate display of a drop down menu,such as selecting a menu option from a bet queue tab) at step 12004, theuser interface next determines if the user has a race currently selectedat step 12006. If it is determined that the user does have a racecurrently selected, then, at step 12008, the user interface displays adrop down menu with a “This Race” portion, such as in menu 12102 ofscreen 12100 FIG. 121. If it is determined that the user does not have arace currently selected, then, at step 12010, the user interfacedisplays a drop down menu without a “This Race” portion, such menu 12202of screen 12200 in FIG. 122.

Turning to FIG. 121, drop down menu 12102 is discussed in more detail.As shown, menu 12102 includes two portions 12104 and 12106. “This Race”portion 12104 is tied to the currently selected race. In screen 12100,the user is using the proBET feature and thus the user has selected arace for the purpose of placing a bet. Selecting a race, however, may bedone for any purpose, such as getting handicapping data as shown inscreen 5700 of FIG. 57.

When the user selects one of choices 12108, 12110, 12112, and 12114 from“This Race” portion 12104 of drop down menu 12102, the user interfacewill present screens related to the particular function selected, butwith the race already selected. For example, when the user selects “WinOdds/Ticket” choice 12108, the user interface will toggle betweendisplaying a ticket window (such as ticket window 1006 in screen 1100 ofFIG. 11 or ticket window 2702 in screen 2900 of FIG. 29) and displayingan odds window (such as odds window 1512 in screen 1500 of FIG. 15 orodds window 3604 in screen 3600 of FIG. 36). When the user selects“Handicapping” choice 12110, the user interface will display options tab5708 as shown in screen 5700 of FIG. 57. Using options tab 5708, theuser can then access handicapping data as illustrated in, and describedin connection with, FIG. 54. From “Will Pays” choice 12112, the user canaccess “Exacta Will Pay” tab 5802 for the selected race as shown inscreen 5800 of FIG. 58. Finally, by selecting “Pools” choice 12114, theuser may navigate to “Win Pool” tab 6602 for the selected race as shownin screen 6600 of FIG. 66.

Unlike “This Race” portion 12104 of menu 12102, “Option” portion 12106of menu 12102 is not tied to any particular race. Thus, when one ofchoices 12116, 12118, 12120, 12122, and 12124 is selected, the featurethat is subsequently initiated is not initiated based upon anyparticular race. More particularly, when the user selects “AccountInformation” choice 12116, the user interface initiates the series 10100of screen displays illustrated in FIG. 101. When the user selects“Results & Prices” choice 12118, the user interface initiates the series9100 of screen displays illustrated in FIG. 91.

When the user selects “proBET/Build-A-Bet” choice 12120, the actiontaken by the user interface depends on the current area of the userinterface being accessed by the user at the time menu 12102 isactivated. If the user is not operating in a betting mode, such as oneof the screen displays in series 800 of FIG. 8 or one of the screendisplays in series 2600 of FIG. 26, the user interface will activate thelast betting mode operated by the user. For example, if the last betplaced by the user was in the proBET mode, the user interface wouldinitiate the proBET mode if menu 12102 were initiated from ahandicapping screen. If the user is operating in a betting mode,however, the user interface will then toggle the current betting mode(if only two betting modes are available) or rotate the betting mode (ifmore than two betting modes are available). In doing so, the userinterface will preferably transfer all entries already submitted by theuser into the new betting mode.

Finally, by selecting “Main Menu” choice 12122 or “Watch TVG” choice12124, the user may return to main menu 702 (FIG. 7) or view a usertelevision program 500 (FIG. 5), respectively.

As described above in connection with FIG. 120, if the user accesses thedrop down menu when a race has not already been selected, the userinterface will then present a menu such as menu 12202 of screen 12200 ofFIG. 122. As can be seen, menu 12202 does not have a “This Race”portion. Instead, each menu choice displayed is operated independentlyof any particular race.

When selected, each of choices 12204, 12206, 12214, and 12216 performsubstantially the same function as described above in connection withchoices 12116, 12118, 12122, and 12124, respectively, of menu 12102.Selecting “proBET” choice 12208 preferably will cause series 800 ofscreen displays as shown in FIG. 8 to be displayed. Selecting“Build-A-Bet” choice 12210 preferably will cause series 2600 of screendisplays as shown in FIG. 26 to be displayed. Finally, selecting“Handicapping” choice 12212 preferably will cause series 5400 of screendisplays as shown in FIG. 54 to be displayed.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the context sensitivity ofmenus 12102 and 12202 may extend beyond that explained above. Forexample, if drop down menu 12102 is initiated from the proBET mode asshown in screen 12100, option 12120 may only say. “BUILD-A-BET” ratherthan “proBET/BUILD-A-BET” as illustrated. When selected, option 12120may cause the user interface to switch from the proBET mode to theBUILD-A-BET mode. Similarly, as another example, if either menu 12102 or12202 were initiated from the Handicapping mode, handicapping options12110 and 12212 may be replaced with other options.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the user interfacefacilitates the automatic and manual selection of default entries tomany of the prompts presented in the screen displays describes above.Automatic selection of default entries may be implemented when only asingle player is active, for example, by monitoring each wager that isplaced by a user, and causing a prompt's highlight to initially appearon the most frequently selected selection each time a prompt isdisplayed. For example, if a user makes trifecta bet types mostfrequently, the highlight in a wager type selection promptcould-initially appear as shown in tab 2902 of screen 2900 of FIG. 29.Automatic selection of default entries could also be implemented bydetermining the entries that provide the user with the highestprobability of winning or that will make the player the most money whilestill meeting a given minimum probability of winning threshold. Forexample, the horse with the best odds of winning may be selected as thedefault horse selection.

Manual selection of default entries could be implemented by adding a“Default” action selection 3606 to bet queue displays such as bet queuetab 3602 (FIG. 36) or by specially selecting an entry. With a “Default”action selection 3606, for example, after a user places a bet, the usercould select “Default” action selection 3606. Doing so would cause theselections made by the user for the bet become the default entries.Various methods of specially selecting an entry could also be used todesignate default entries. For example, when an entry is selected bypressing a button on a remote control, a selection could be designatedas a default by pressing the button for an extended period of time untilthat selection blinks. As another example, a default button could beadded to a remote control so that the user may highlight an entry andpress the default button to make the entry a default entry.

Although specific methods for designating entries as default entries arediscussed above for both automatic and manual designation, any suitablemethod for doing so may be used in accordance with the presentinvention.

Some embodiments of the present invention may simultaneously displaymultiple wagering events and enable the user to select one or more ofthe events to initiate the user interface or to cause a full screendisplay of the wagering event to be displayed. For example, as shown inscreen 12300 of FIG. 123, four race displays 12302, 12304, 12306, and12308 are presented in different portions of screen 12300. To select oneof displays 12302, 12304, 12306, and 12308, a highlight 12310 may beprovided to enable the user to position the highlight on a desireddisplay and subsequently or simultaneously select that display. One ormore of the displays may also include an indicator 12312 that identifiesa displayed track, race, or any other suitable information, or enablesthe user to select the display.

Upon a user selecting one of multiple displayed wagering events, thepresent invention may then initiate the user interface and automaticallyset certain prompts with default entries that correspond to the selectedevent. For example, if a user is viewing screen 12300 and selectsdisplay 12302, the user interface may then be initiated so as to causethe “Build-A-Bet” mode to be accessed. Rather than initiating this modeat “Track” selection tab 2706 (FIG. 27), the user interface mayautomatically pick “Aqueduct” as the selected track and race “2” as theselected race and therefore present “Type” tab 2902 (FIG. 29) first.Should the user then desire to override the defaults, the user may pressa left arrow button on a remote control to switch back to tab 2706 andselect the desired track, or to switch back to tab 2802 and select thedesired race.

Alternatively, the user interface may first display a full screen of thewagering event selected from screen 12300 as shown in screen 500 of FIG.5. Using prompt 502, the user could then initiate the user interface.

Turning to FIG. 124, an alternate embodiment of a user interface inaccordance with the present invention is shown. FIG. 124 illustrates ahorse selection screen 12400. Screen 12400 includes an overlay 12402 anda background program 12404. Background program may be any televisionprogram being watched by the user prior to activating the userinterface. As shown, overlay 12402 obstructs a large portion ofbackground program 12404, although overlay 12402 may be implemented tocover any amount of background program 12404 (including the entireprogram). Within overlay 12402 are a finish second tab 12406, a finishthird tab 12408, an amount tab 12410, a status bar 12418, a ticketwindow 12420, and a wagering event window 12422, as the user is in theprocess of entering a trifecta wager.

Finish second tab 12406 and finish third tab 12408 operate substantiallythe same, except that finish second tab 12406 is used to select a horseto come in second, whereas finish third tab 12408 is used to select ahorse to come in third, in a wagering event. As can be seen, finishthird tab 12408 includes a list of horses 12416, a list of numbers 12414for those horses, and a list of odds 12412 for those horses to win. Listof numbers 12414 shows the colors of the jockeys and/or horses in thearea surrounding each number indicated.

Amount tab 12410, status bar 12418, and ticket window 12420 operatesubstantially the same as amount tab 3504, status bar 601, and ticketwindow 2702 shown in screens 3500, 600, and 2700 of FIGS. 35, 6, and 27,respectively.

Wagering event window 12422 preferably displays images of a wageringevent in which the user is interested. These images may be still imagesor full motion video, with or without sound. The images may be tied toor independent of the user's wagering selections. For example, when tiedto the user's wagering selections, as the user highlights horses in tab12408, window 12422 may be implemented to display video of thehighlighted horse in training, in previous races, or at any othersuitable time. When independent of the user's wagering selections, adefault wagering event related television channel may be displayed inwindow 12422 as another example. Such video may be a clip or may be livevideo. Alternatively, window 12422 could be implemented to display anytelevision program.

FIG. 125 illustrates still another embodiment of the user interface. Asshown, the user interface presents a screen 12500 that includes anoverlay 12502 and a background program 12504. As with overlay 12402 andprogram 12404 of FIG. 124, overlay 12502 may be any size and program12504 may be any television program. Also, similarly to overlay 12402,overlay 12502 includes a finish second tab 12506, a finish third tab12508, an amount tab 12510, and a status bar 12518, which operatesubstantially the same as their counterparts in FIG. 124. Overlay 12502also includes a wagering event window 12520 that operates substantiallythe same as window 12422, although window 12520 occupies a much largerportion of window 12402 than window 12422 occupies in overlay 12402.Note that although overlay 12502 does not include a ticket window, aticket window could be incorporated in overlay 12502 by shortening thedisplayed portion of tab 12508 to make room for the ticket window.

FIG. 126 illustrates yet another embodiment of the user interface. Asshown, the user interface presents a screen 12600 that includes abackground program 12602 and an overlay 12604. Within overlay 12604 aretabs 12606, 12608, and 12610 and a status bar 12618 that aresubstantially the same as tabs 12506, 12508, and 12510 and status bar12518 shown in FIG. 125. As can be seen, overlay 12604 is partiallytransparent so that program 12602 appears to be visible through overlay12604. Overlay 12604 may be any amount of transparency, includingcompletely opaque and completely transparent, and the amount oftransparency may be user defined.

Turning now to FIGS. 127-151, an interactive voice response interface(IVR interface) that may be implemented in IVR server 210 of FIG. 2 isillustrated. Main processes 12700 and 12800 for the IVR interface isillustrated in FIGS. 127 and 128. Process 12700 is initiated when IVRserver 210 receives a new phone call at step 12702. Next, process 12700plays a welcome greeting and any optional messages at steps 12704 and12706. The user is then prompted to enter a player's account number andpin at steps 12708 and 12710. Once the user has entered a valid accountnumber and pin, a main menu is presented at step 12712. In response tothe main menu, the user may then select one of the available options. Inthe preferred embodiment, the user may select to place a wager, get hisor her account balance, get win odds, get results, get help, customizethe menu, or end the call. If the user selects to place a wager, process12700 transfers control to wager entry process 12900 of FIG. 129 byimplementing steps 12714 and 12716. If the user selects to get theaccount balance, process 12700 transfers control to account balanceprocess 14600 of FIG. 146 by implementing steps 12718 and 12720.Otherwise process 12700 transfers control to process 12800 byimplementing steps 12722 and 12802 (FIG. 128).

After process 12800 has begun at step 12802, the process then determinesif the user has selected to get win odds, get results, get help,customize the menu, or end the call. If the user selects to get winodds, process 12800 transfers control to win odds process 14700 of FIG.147 by implementing steps 12804 and 12806. If the user selects to getresults, process 12800 transfers control to results process 14800 ofFIG. 148 by implementing steps 12808 and 12810. If the user selects toget help, process 12800 transfers control to help process 14900 of FIG.149 by implementing steps 12812 and 12814. If the user selects tocustomize the menu, process 12800 transfers control to customize process15000 of FIG. 150 by implementing steps 12816 and 12818. Finally, if theuser selects to end the call, process 12800 transfers control to exitprocess 15100 of FIG. 151 by implementing steps 12820 and 12822.Otherwise, process 12800 loops back to step 12712 of process 12700 byimplementing steps 12824 and 12724 (FIG. 127).

The wager entry process is illustrated in FIGS. 129-145. Once the wagerentry process has been initiated at step 12902, the user is prompted fora track selection at step 12904 and then the user's track selection isverified at step 12906. Similarly, process 12900 next prompts the userfor a race number, verifies the race number selection, prompts the userfor a wager type, and verifies the wager type selection at steps 12908,12910, 12912, and 12914. Then process 12900 transfers control to process13000 (FIG. 130) by implementing steps 12916 and 13002.

Next, through processes 13000 and 13100 (FIG. 131), the IVR interfacedetermines the wager type selected by the user, and transfers control tothe appropriate process. If the user has selected a win wager, a placewager, or a show wager, the process transfers control to win, place,show wager process 13200 by implementing steps 13004 and 13006, steps13008 and 13010, or steps 13012 and 13014, respectively. If the user hasselected a win/place wager, a win/show wager, or a win/place/show wager,the process transfers control to win/place, win/show, win/place/showwager process 13300 by implementing steps 13016 and 13018, steps 13020and 13022, or steps 13024 and 13026.

Otherwise process 13000 transfers control to process 13100 (FIG. 131) byimplementing steps 13028 and 131101. If the user has selected an exactawager, a trifecta wager, or a quinella wager, the process transferscontrol to exacta, trifecta, quinella wager process 13400 byimplementing steps 13102 and 13104, steps 13106 and 13108, or steps13110 and 13112, respectively. If the user has selected a daily double,or a pick three or pick six wager, the process transfers control todaily double, pick three/six process 13500 by implementing steps 13114and 13116, or steps 13118 and 13120, respectively. Otherwise, process13100 transfers control back to process 12900 at step 12912 byimplementing steps 13122 and 12918 (FIG. 129).

Win, place, show process 13200 is illustrated in FIG. 132. As shown,after process 13200 has begun at step 13202, the process prompts theuser for a horse selection at step 13204 and then verifies the userselection at step 13206. Next at step 13208, process 13200 prompts theuser for a wager amount at step 13208 and then prompts the user toconfirm, change, or cancel the wager at step 13210. If the user confirmsthe wager, then process 13200 branches at step 13212 to step 13214 toinitiate wager exit process 13600 of FIG. 136. If the user selects tochange the wager, then process 13200 branches at step 13216 to step13218 to initiate wager change process 13700 of FIG. 137. Finally, ifthe user elects to cancel the wager, process 13200 cancels the wager atstep 13220 and then initiates wager exit process 13600 of FIG. 136 atstep 13222.

Win/place, win/show, win/place/show process 13300 is illustrated in FIG.133. As shown, after process 13300 has begun at step 13302, the processprompts the user for a horse selection at step 13304 and then verifiesthe user selection at step 13306. Next at step 13308, process 13300prompts the user for a wager amount at step 13308 and then prompts theuser to confirm, change, or cancel the wager at step 13310. If the userconfirms the wager, then process 13300 branches at step 13312 to step13314 to initiate wager exit process 13600 of FIG. 136. If the userselects to change the wager, then process 13300 branches at step 13316to step 13318 to initiate wager change process 13700 of FIG. 137.Finally, if the user elects to cancel the wager, process 13300 cancelsthe wager at step 13320 and then initiates wager exit process 13600 ofFIG. 136 at step 13322.

Exacta, trifecta, quinella wager process 13400 is shown in FIG. 134. Ascan be seen, once process 13400 is initiated at step 13402, the processprompts the user to indicate whether the wager is to be a straight, box,or wheel wager at step 13404. Next process 13400 prompts the user toselect horses at step 13406. If more horses are needed to complete thewager, then process 13400 branches at step 13408 to step 13410 to promptthe user to select the next horse. Once all of the horses have beenselected, process 13400 verifies the horse selections at step 13412.Process 13400 then prompts the user to select a wager amount at step13414. After the wager amount has been selected, process 13400 promptsthe user to confirm, change, or cancel the wager at step 13416. If theuser confirms the wager, then process 13400 branches at step 13418 tostep 13420 to initiate wager exit process 13600 of FIG. 136. If the userselects to change the wager, then process 13400 branches at step 13422to step 13424 to initiate wager change process 13700 of FIG. 137.Finally, if the user elects to cancel the wager, process 13400 cancelsthe wager at step 13426 and then initiates wager exit process 13600 ofFIG. 136 at step 13428.

Daily double, pick three/six wager process 13500 is shown in FIG. 135.As can be seen, once process 13500 is initiated at step 13502, theprocess prompts the user to select horses at step 13504. If more horsesare needed to complete the wager, then process 13500 branches at step13506 to step 13508 to prompt the user to select the next horse. Onceall of the horses have been selected, process 13500 verifies the horseselections at step 13510. Process 13500 then prompts the user to selecta wager amount at step 13512. After the wager amount has been selected,process 13500 prompts the user to confirm, change, or cancel the wagerat step 13514. If the user confirms the wager, then process 13500branches at step 13516 to step 13518 to initiate wager exit process13600 of FIG. 136. If the user selects to change the wager, then process13500 branches at step 13520 to step 13522 to initiate wager changeprocess 13700 of FIG. 137. Finally, if the user elects to cancel thewager, process 13500 cancels the wager at step 13524 and then initiateswager exit process 13600 of FIG. 136 at step 13526.

Wager exit process 13600 is illustrated in FIG. 136. As shown, onceprocess 13600 is initiated at step 13602, the process notifies the userthat the wager has been submitted at step 13604. Next, process 13600determines whether the wager has been placed at step 13606. If the wageris confirmed as being placed, process 13600 then notifies the user thatthe wager has been placed at step 13610. Otherwise, process 13600notifies the user that it cannot confirm the wager at step 13608.Process 13614 then asks the user whether he or she wants to enteranother wager, return to the main menu, or end the call at step 13614.If the user chooses to enter another wager, process 13600 then transferscontrol back to step 12912 of FIG. 129 by implementing 13618 and 12918.If the user chooses to return to the main menu, process 13600 thentransfers control back to step 12712 of FIG. 127 by implementing 13622and 12724. If the user chooses to end the call, process 13600 theninitiates exit process 15100 of FIG. 151 at step 13626. Otherwise,process 13600 transfers control back to step 12712 of FIG. 127 byimplementing 13628 and 12724.

Wager change process 13700 is shown in FIG. 137. Once process 13700 hasbeen initiated at step 13702, the process prompts the user at step 13704to select whether the user wants to hear the current wager, confirmchanges to the wager, change the wager amount, change the wager type,change the horse selections, change the race selection, change the trackselection, or erase the wager and return to the main menu. If the userselects to hear or confirm the wager, process 13700 then branches atstep 13706 to initiate confirmation menu process 13800 of FIG. 138 atstep 13708. If the user selects to change the wager amount, process13700 then branches at step 13710 to initiate wager amount menu process14000 of FIG. 140 at step 13712. If the user selects to change the wagertype, process 13700 then branches at step 13714 to initiate wager typemenu process 14100 of FIG. 141 at step 13716. If the user selects tochange the horse selection, process 13700 then branches at step 13718 toinitiate horse selection menu process 14200 of FIG. 142 at step 13720.If the user selects to change the race selection, process 13700 thenbranches at step 13722 to initiate venue selection menu process 14400 ofFIG. 144 at step 13724. Finally, if the user selects to change the trackselection, process 13700 then branches at step 13726 to initiate trackselection menu process 14500 of FIG. 145 at step 13728. Otherwise,process 13700 transfers control to step 12712 of FIG. 127 byimplementing steps 13730 and 12724.

Confirmation menu process 13800 is illustrated in FIG. 138. As shown,once process 13800 has begun at step 13802, the process determines thewager type at step 13804. If the wager type is a win, place, or show,then process 13800 prompts the user to confirm, change, or cancel thewager at step 13806. If the user confirms the wager, then process 13800branches at step 13808 to step 13810 to initiate wager exit process13600 of FIG. 136. If the user selects to change the wager, then process13800 branches at step 13812 to step 13814 to initiate wager changeprocess 13700 of FIG. 137. Finally, if the user elects to cancel thewager, process 13800 cancels the wager at step 13816 and then initiateswager exit process 13600 of FIG. 136 at step 13818. If the wager type isa win/place, win/show, win/place/show, then process 13800 prompts theuser to confirm, change, or cancel the wager at step 13820. If the userconfirms the wager, then process 13800 branches at step 13822 to step13824 to initiate wager exit process 13600 of FIG. 136. If the userselects to change the wager, then process 13800 branches at step 13826to step 13828 to initiate wager change process 13700 of FIG. 137.Finally, if the user elects to cancel the wager, process 13800 cancelsthe wager at step 13830 and then initiates wager exit process 13600 ofFIG. 136 at step 13832.

If the user has not selected a win, place, show, win/place, win/show, orwin/place/show wager type, process 13800 then transfers control toprocess 13900 of FIG. 139 at steps 13834 and 13902. Next, if the wagertype is an exacta, trifecta, or quinella, then process 13900 prompts theuser to confirm, change, or cancel the wager at step 13904. If the userconfirms the wager, then process 13900 branches at step 13906 to step13908 to initiate wager exit process 13600 of FIG. 136. If the userselects to change the wager, then process 13900 branches at step 13910to step 13912 to initiate wager change process 13700 of FIG. 137.Finally, if the user elects to cancel the wager, process 13900 cancelsthe wager at step 13914 and then initiates wager exit process 13600 ofFIG. 136 at step 13916. Otherwise, if the wager type is a daily double,or pick three or pick six, then process 13900 prompts the user toconfirm, change, or cancel the wager at step 13918. If the user confirmsthe wager, then process 13900 branches at step 13920 to step 13922 toinitiate wager exit process 13600 of FIG. 136. If the user selects tochange the wager, then process 13900 branches at step 13924 to step13926 to initiate wager change process 13700 of FIG. 137. Finally, ifthe user elects to cancel the wager, process 13900 cancels the wager atstep 13928 and then initiates wager exit process 13600 of FIG. 136 atstep 13930.

Wager amount menu process 14000 is illustrated in FIG. 140. As shown,after process 14000 begins at step 14002; prompts the user for a wageramount at step 14004. Once the user has entered a wager amount, process14000 completes at step 14006.

Wager type menu process 14100 is illustrated in FIG. 141. As shown,after process 14100 has begun at step 14102, the process prompts theuser for a wager type at step 14104 and then verifies the user selectionat step 14106. Once the wager type selection has been verified at step14106, process 14100 then completes at step 14108.

Horse selection menu process 14200 is shown in FIG. 142. As illustrated,process 14200 determines the wager type at step 14204 after process14200 has initiated at step 14202. If the wager type is a win, place, orshow, then process 14200 prompts the user for a horse selection at step14206, verifies the selection at step 14208, and then terminates at step14210. If the wager type is a win/place, win/show, or win/place/show,then process 14200 prompts the user for a horse selection at step 14212,verifies the selection at step 14214, and then terminates at step 14216.If the wager type is not a win, place, show, win/place, win/show, orwin/place/show, then process 14200 transfers control to process 14300(FIG. 143) through steps 14218 and 14302. Then, if the wager type is anexacta, trifecta, or quinella, process 14300 prompts the user to selecthorses at step 14304. If more horses are needed to complete the wager,then process 14300 branches at step 14306 to step 14308 to prompt theuser to select the next horse. Once all of the horses have beenselected, process 14300 verifies the horse selections at step 14310 andcompletes at step 14312. Otherwise, if the wager type is a daily double,or a pick three or pick six, then process 13900 prompts the user toselect horses at step 14314. If more horses are needed to complete thewager, then process 14300 branches at step 14316 to step 14318 to promptthe user to select the next horse. Once all of the horses have beenselected, process 14300 verifies the horse selections at step 14320 andcompletes at step 14322.

Venue selection menu process 14400 is illustrated in FIG. 144. Onceprocess 14400 has begun at step 14402, the process then prompts the userfor a race number selection at step 14404. Next, process 14400 verifiesthe race number selection at step 14406 and then terminates at step14408.

Track selection menu process 14500 is shown in FIG. 145. After process14500 has begun at step 14502, the process prompts the user for a trackselection at step 14504. Process 14500 then verifies the track selectionat step 14506 and terminates at step 14508.

As stated above, if in response to the IVR interface main menu presentedin step 12712 of FIG. 127, the user-selects to hear his or her accountbalance, account balance process 14600 is initiated as illustrated inFIG. 146. As shown, once process 14600 begins at step 14602, the processthen presents the user's account balance to the user at step 14604. Theaccount balance presented may reflect wagers placed through any of theuser interfaces available from set-top box 104, telephone 106, andcomputer 108 (FIG. 1). Process 14600 then transfers control back to step12712 of process 12700 (FIG. 127) through steps 14606 and 12724.

If the user selects to listen to win odds from the main menu presentedin step 12712 of FIG. 127, process 14700 of FIG. 147 is executed. Asshown, after process 14700 begins at step 14702, the process prompts theuser for a track selection at step 14704 and verifies the trackselection at step 14706. Next, process 14700 prompts the user for a raceselection at step 14708 and then verifies the race selection at step14710. The win odds for each horse are then presented to the user atstep 14712. Once the interface has presented the win odds, process 14700asks the user whether he or she wants to wager on the selected race,hear more odds for other races at the selected track, hear odds at othertracks, or return to the main menu. If the user selects to place awager, process 14700 branches at step 14716 to step 12912 of FIG. 129through steps 14718 and 12918. If the user selects to hear more odds atthe same track, process 14700 branches at step 14720 back to step 14708.If the user selects to hear odds at other tracks, process 14700 branchesat step 14722 to step 14704. Otherwise, process 14700 transfers controlto step 12712 of process 12700 of FIG. 127 through steps 14722 and12724.

If the user selects to listen to results from the main menu presented instep 12712 of FIG. 127, process 14800 of FIG. 148 is executed. As shown,after process 14800 begins at step 14802, the process prompts the userfor a track selection at step 14804 and verifies the track selection atstep 14806. Next, process 14800 prompts the user for a race selection atstep 14808 and then verifies the race selection at step 14810. Theresults for the selected race are then presented to the user at step14812. Once the interface has presented the results, process 14800 asksthe user whether he or she wants to hear more results for other races atthe selected track, hear results at other tracks, or return to the mainmenu. If the user selects to hear more results at the same track,process 14800 branches at step 14816 back to step 14808. If the userselects to hear results at other tracks, process 14800 branches at step14818 to step 14804. Otherwise, process 14800 transfers control to step12712 of process 12700 of FIG. 127 through steps 14820 and 12724.

Help process 14900 is illustrated in FIG. 149. As shown, once process14900 has begun at step 14902, the process presents a series of piecesof help information to the user at steps 14904-14922. Once the pieces ofhelp information have been presented, process 14900 transfers control tostep 12712 of process 12700 of FIG. 127 through steps 14924 and 12724.

Customization process 15000 is shown in FIG. 150. As illustrated, onceprocess 15000 has begun at step 15002, the process presents initialinformation regarding the customization feature to the user at step15004. Then at step 15006, process 15000 prompts the user to selectwhether the user wants select to hear both horse names and numbers,horse names only, expanded prompts, express prompts, horse odds whenwagering, no horse odds when wagering, entry verifications, or no entryverifications, or whether the user wants to return to the main menu. Theuser selection is then stored and used by the IVR interface to controlthe corresponding features of other processes disclosed above. Finally,through steps 15008 and 12724 (FIG. 127), process 15000 returns controlto step 12712 of process 12700 of FIG. 127.

Finally, exit process 15100 is shown in FIG. 151. As can be seen, afterprocess 15100 has begun at step 15102, process 15100 determines at step15104 if a wager has been placed. If a wager has been placed, process15100 presents a first “thank you” message at step 15106 and then endsthe call at step 15110. Otherwise, if a wager has not been placed,process 15100 presents a second “thank you” message at step 15108 andthen ends the call at step 15110.

Thus methods and systems for interactive wagering user interfaces aredescribed. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the presentinvention may be practiced by other than the described embodiments,which are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation,and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.

1-31. (canceled)
 32. A method for interactive wagering on races,comprising: displaying a plurality of racing events in a display screen;receiving a user selection of one of the displayed plurality of racingevents; and in response to receiving the user selection, automatically:(1) displaying an interactive wagering interface; and (2) setting atleast one prompt in the displayed interactive wagering interface to adefault entry associated with the selected racing event.
 33. The methodof claim 32 wherein receiving a user selection of one of the displayedplurality of racing events comprises receiving user input to navigate ahighlight to one of the displayed plurality of racing events.
 34. Themethod of claim 32 further comprising displaying an indicator in thedisplay screen, the indicator associated with one of the displayedplurality of racing events.
 35. The method of claim 34 wherein theindicator comprises at least one of the track name and the race numbercorresponding to the associated one of the displayed plurality of racingevents.
 36. The method of claim 32 wherein setting at least one promptin the displayed interactive wagering interface to a default entrycomprises setting a track name to the default entry.
 37. The method ofclaim 32 wherein setting at least one prompt in the displayedinteractive wagering interface to a default entry comprises setting arace number to the default entry.
 38. The method of claim 32 furthercomprising receiving a user input to change the at least one prompt fromthe default entry to another entry.
 39. The method of claim 32 whereindisplaying a plurality of racing events in a display screen comprisesdisplaying four racing events in a grid in the display screen.
 40. Themethod of claim 32 further comprising receiving user input to build awager using the default entry.
 41. The method of claim 40 furthercomprising placing the wager using the interactive wagering interface.42. A system for interactive wagering comprising: a display screen; andcontrol circuitry configured to: display, in the display screen, aplurality of racing events; receive a user selection of one of thedisplayed plurality of racing events; and in response to receiving theuser selection, automatically: (1) display, in the display screen, aninteractive wagering interface; and (2) set at least one prompt in thedisplayed interactive wagering interface to a default entry associatedwith the selected racing event.
 43. The system of claim 42 wherein thecontrol circuitry is configured to navigate a highlight to one of thedisplayed plurality of racing events.
 44. The system of claim 42 whereinthe control circuitry is further configured to display an indicator inthe display screen, the indicator associated with one of the displayedplurality of racing events.
 45. The system of claim 44 wherein theindicator comprises at least one of the track name and the race numbercorresponding to the associated one of the displayed plurality of racingevents.
 46. The system of claim 42 wherein the control circuitry isconfigured to set at least one prompt in the displayed interactivewagering interface to a default entry by setting a track name to thedefault entry.
 47. The system of claim 42 wherein the control circuitryis configured to set at least one prompt in the displayed interactivewagering interface to a default entry by setting a race number to thedefault entry.
 48. The system of claim 42 wherein the control circuitryis further configured to receive a user input to change the at least oneprompt from the default entry to another entry.
 49. The system of claim42 wherein the control circuitry is configured to display four racingevents in a grid in the display screen.
 50. The system of claim 42wherein the control circuitry is further configured to receive userinput to build a wager using the default entry.
 51. The system of claim50 wherein the control circuitry is further configured to place thewager using the interactive wagering interface.